Venue Description

The Community of Epiphany rode into existence on the crest of a
mighty wave that swept the Church in the wake of the Second Vatican
Council. The first co-pastors, Fathers James Flynn and Richard Fowler,
asked Archbishop Thomas J. McDonough to establish a faith community that
would emphasize liturgy, social justice, lifelong formation and
ecumenical cooperation with other faith communities. This vision would
offer a deeper understanding of the Gospel, challenging and empowering
the new community to live out its message.

The first liturgy was celebrated on June 20, 1971, at St. Thomas
Orphanage in Anchorage. A unique design for a permanent worship center,
drawn up by parishioner and architect Larry Melillo, began to take
shape. Open to the outside world, yet protected from the elements by a
roof and glass, the worship center was formally dedicated on January 5,
1975, on land adjacent to the Burrwood property which had once been home
to Archbishop Floersh.

The Community of Epiphany, an intentional congregation with almost
3,900 parishioners today, continues to grow. Each year on the Feast of
Epiphany the members rededicate themselves to the following:

“Animated by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the Roman Catholic
tradition, we are the Community of Epiphany on a pilgrimage of faith. In
response to our baptismal call and sustained by prayer:

• We choose to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ with humility and compassion.
• We search for truth in a complex and changing world.
• We experience the struggle and excitement of transformation through conversion.
• We accept the responsibility of shared and collaborative ministry.
• We embrace diversity and nurture the unique gifts of all.

Believing in a society free from oppression, we heal, reconcile and
work for justice and peace. Celebrating our oneness with God and all of
creation, we are Epiphany, a manifestation of God in our times.”